About Norma

Norma is the broker-owner of Charlemagne International Properties, a company she created to capitalize on her connections with investors around the globe. She started her real estate career in 1992 specializing in ocean view properties, equestrian estates, and luxury residences across the South Bay and Palos Verdes Peninsula. As she has led many of her clients to real estate successes over the years, they have naturally turned to her for help expanding their investment property portfolios.

“The quality of the relationships I build with my clients is one of the most satisfying aspects of my work. The opportunity to build new relationships and the fulfilling reward of helping others keeps me motivated. The thrill of handing the keys to a new home to a buyer or placing a sold sign on a seller’s property is as satisfying today as it was when I was a rookie real estate agent.” – Norma Toering

A few words from our past and present clients:

“We hired Norma when we bought our home 4 years ago and it was a wonderland experience. We stumbled on to her Palos Verdes Home blog website by chance when we were researching on buying a home in PV. We thought she was very knowledgeable and decided to set an appointment to meet with her. My wife and I were first time home buyers and Norma patiently educated us and walked us through all the options on what and where to look. Norm and her team gave us very knowledge feedback on our concern and also helped us through some troubling time when we had problems getting approval for a home loan. Finally she found us a wonderful home. It was initially outside of our price range but she negotiated hard for us and we got it! We would work with Norma again when we buy our next home.” – Unsolicited Zillow Review from past client:

How likely are you to recommend Norma Toering?

highly likely

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Seller of three properties upon seeing a 5-Star review from another client:

“I will give you a 10-star review! Where do I review?” – A long term client who we helped with 8 real estate deals!

“Thanks for being such a great agent on all our deals! I sure do appreciate more so that you are one heck of a professional in this field who has always had our best interest in mind.” – Carina in RPV (Wharton MBA)

“Thank you both for all your hard work. We had another pleasant experience with the Toering Team. You will be highly recommended in the future.” Steve S. in RPV

Palos Verdes broker Norma Toering has as an online blog that offers an insider’s view into the local real estate market. Brad Graverson/Staff Photographer

From The Daily Breeze – Stephanie Cary Staff Writer – 10/28/2011

Norma Toering was an elementary school teacher prior to starting a family and becoming a stay-at-home mom. But once her four children were all in school, she decided to start a new career. Having moved often, she felt real estate would be a good match and got her license in 1992.

Now the Rancho Palos Verdes resident works full time with Re/Max Palos Verdes Realty. And as a former educator, she likes to keep learning, so she got her brokers license this year. When not working, she enjoys yoga, hiking, dancing and hanging out with her four children and six grandchildren.

(Interview)

Daily Breeze: What kind of deals do you handle?

Norma: I am primarily residential, but as my clientele has grown, I have become what I like to say is a real estate consultant and advisor, so I have branched out into handling my clients’ needs and that has included income and commercial property.

What areas do you cover?

Norma: Primarily the Palos Verdes Peninsula. Thereafter, it would be the surrounding cities, just kind of draw a circle around the Palos Verdes Peninsula – San Pedro, Torrance, the beach cities.

What is it that you like about real estate?

Norma: I’m working currently with first-time homebuyers and helping them to buy their first home in this market is really fulfilling. I am a member of the Re/Max Hall of Fame, but I think some of my greatest moments are when I’ve closed a difficult deal and helped a client fulfill their dream.

How was the change of careers?

Norma: My (teaching) training was not only in first grade but also all the way through to middle school, and I did my master’s work in psychology. So I think education and psychology is a wonderful blend for working with people because we solve problems, identify needs and then do our best to meet them. I think that’s best done through an educational process rather than a pushy sales process.

You have a pretty in-depth blog – what is it about?

Norma: I would say that I write a hardcore real estate blog. I would say 95 percent of my articles online, and I have about 1,800 articles now, deal with local real estate or real estate issues. … I try to give an insider’s view of what’s happening in the market.

Why do you think it’s important to have a blog and an online presence?

Norma: I think because over 90 percent of buyers begin their home search online, they need to find you there. And so many of them – especially first-time buyers – have many questions, they don’t know a whole lot about the process and they’re not ready to walk into a real estate office and say “I’m yours.” Today’s buyers are used to doing research on their own, so putting information out there where they can find it, they can start the educational process on their own, I think that’s something that today’s buyers are looking for.

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After making numerous corporate moves, my family “settled” in Palos Verdes in 1989. When my youngest child started school, I signed up for real estate classes. After buying and selling homes all over the USA, it was a natural fit. I certainly have first-hand knowledge of selling and buying a home “on the fly.” A first-rate real estate agent can make the difference between disaster and delight. Oh, the stories I could tell about agents I met along the way! Some were outstanding and others were just out there.

My desire to serve others with integrity and diligence is evident to those who know and work with me. I always tell the truth even when it is not what my clients want to hear. Honesty is the best sales tool and the foundation of my business. Trust takes years to build but can be destroyed in a few seconds by less than ethical actions and false words.

I am a former first grade teacher and mother of four Palos Verdes Unified School District graduates–one of California’s top school systems! My daughter is currently a 4th grade teacher in the Palos Verdes Unifed School District. Two sons work in real estate and one is in college after completing four years in the Marine Corps.

As a former teacher I enjoy being a student of real estate and life. There is always something new and challenging to learn in this field. The day you stop learning is the day you get left behind.

The changing nature of the market requires you to shift selling and buying strategies to adjust to new market conditions. Whether it is a condo or an apartment complex no transaction is without its issues and challenges. I thrive on the challenge of bringing my best to each and every transaction. At the end of the day I like to walk out the door knowing I showed up and gave my clients my best effort.

My marketing is geared toward harnessing the power of the Internet to promote my listings and reach prospective buyers. In today’s fast paced society online presence gives the consumer the instant gratification they are accustomed to in other areas of their life. Real estate agents must not lag behind. With the help of my Internet marketing team we launch an effective marketing campaign online within hours of taking a listing.

Community Service: Active in a local children’s charities including The Children’s Miracle Network, Empower Nepali Girls, Happy Hats for Hospitalized Kids, Toys for Tots Toy Drive, and other communities activities. a portion of every commission is donated to charity to support local and national endeavors. “Giving Back Moves Us Forward.”

The quality of the relationships I build with my clients is one of the most satisfying aspects of my work. The opportunity to build new relationships and the fulfilling reward of helping others keeps me motivated. The thrill of handing the keys to a new home to a buyer or placing a sold sign on a seller’s property is as satisfying today as it was when I was a rookie real estate agent.